Starting school in 2009, is it true that

[pootleflump]

we need to be looking around prospective schools this term? Overheard someone say that yesterday and got a bit of a shock as I'd never have conisdered it.

well, you will have to apply in 2008-9, I think in our area applicationsin have to be in in the spring. So perhaps looking round from now and in the autumn term is a good idea if you have lots to look at...?

I'd have a look at your county's website under the education section to see what the admissions policy is.

Most counties seem to have the admissions procedures taking place during the autumn term for next September entry (ie you need to submit your form some time between September and December) and you find out some time around March or April about your place.

In our county, Bedfordshire, we got the forms for DS (who will start school full time this September) in July last year and they had to be submitted by the end of September, with us finding out just before Christmas. As we live in a village, knew we were in the catchment area and had seen the school at Christmas fairs etc, we didn't actually visit, but if we had been going to, would have wanted to do it this term.

HTH

Here, the application deadline is mid-October. Second Idris's suggestion, read ofsted reports online and call the schools to make an appointment to have a look around the likely options.

cut off for admissions at my local schools is december 2008 for 2009 entry but you can't apply until september

Get clued up on the admissions procedure, because, for example, some church schools have a seperate policy and forms to fill in.

Thanks everyone.

Idris, sounds like I'm in the same situation as you, dd should get into our village school. Thought I should take a look at neighbouring village schools just in case though. Will take a look at the county website.